Oyinye Okereke, the CEO of Chocolate Face Artistry, has carved a niche for herself in the vibrant world of Nollywood makeup artistry. Her journey into the industry is a testament to seizing opportunities and pursuing one’s passions with fervor.
Describing her entry into the makeup industry as being at the right place at the right time, Oyinye recalls a moment after finishing school when she needed to create her own path to make ends meet. Discovering her innate talent and passion for makeup, she took a leap of faith, fueled by an opportunity extended by a friend.
Her foray into Nollywood came through her YouTube channel, where her passion and skills caught the attention of a producer friend. This led to her first gig on a Nollywood set, and from there, her reputation grew, garnering recommendations for various other projects. Remarkably, Oyinye is self-taught, relying on her natural talent and dedication to perfect her craft without formal training.
Since 2015, Oyinye has left her mark on numerous movie sets, including notable works like “Strangers” on Netflix, “A Simple Lie,” and “Sista” on Amazon Prime, among others. She started with lower-budget films before transitioning to high-budget productions, showcasing her versatility and professionalism.
Despite her busy schedule, Oyinye acknowledges turning down jobs at times, not just due to availability but also when agreements on costs couldn’t be reached. She values projects that offer both exposure and fair compensation, understanding the importance of balancing opportunities with financial viability.
Reflecting on her experiences, Oyinye dismisses the notion of taking on jobs solely for exposure if they come with significantly lower pay. She emphasizes that substantial exposure and audience reach come from bigger platforms like cinema releases, Amazon, and Netflix.
One of her standout experiences was working with Ezonam on a Terminator makeup for the premiere of “Wakanda Forever” in Nigeria. The intricate makeup took four hours to complete, showcasing her skill and dedication to her craft.
Looking ahead, Oyinye envisions expanding her brand globally, with aspirations to venture into Hollywood and work with renowned actors in the industry. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring makeup artists, highlighting the rewards of passion, talent, and perseverance in the competitive world of entertainment makeup artistry.